This is a common hard tick found in the UK. As with most hard ticks ''Ixodes ricinus'' is a 3 host tick as well as a 3 stage life cycle. The ticks spend the mojority of their life on the ground, only requiring a blood meal prior to moulting to the next stage.
*3 host tick
*3 host tick
*Life cycle takes an average of 3 years to complete (range of 2-7 years)
*Life cycle takes an average of 3 years to complete (range of 2-7 years)